Turkey doesn't make you sleepy, even though amino acid tryptophan is present. Scientists blame inbibing alcohol and the vast caloric intake at the feast.

HEARTS IN THE HEART OF WINTER

Many studies have documented climbing heart attack rates during the winter. Some refer to the phenomenon as the Christmas coronary. To what extent winter raises the risk is a matter of debate. But one large study, using data on hundreds of thousands of heart attacks documented in the National Registry of Myocardial Infarction, found that 53 percent more cases were reported in winter than in summer. The cold was assumed to be the culprit. But in a recent study presented at an American Heart Association conference, two researchers found that the risk increases even in warm climates. Analyzing death certificates, they found that cardiovascular deaths rose up to 36 percent between summer and winter, regardless of climate and temperatures. A number of variables might be involved, they believe, including the spread of influenza and other respiratory infections. Seasonal affective disorder and less-healthy eating and exercise habits around the winter holidays may also play a role.

PET POISON HELPLINE

We humans love the holidays, and our pets often do, too — new toys, fresh visitors to sit on, the family gathered around. But the Pet Poison Helpline knows pet owners have to be careful, too. There are plenty of items tempting to our pets, but not good for them. In fact, some are dangerous. The helpline has created an iPhone app — Pet Poison Help — of 200 plants, household items, food and drugs that are poisonous to pets. You also can learn more at www.petpoisonhelpline.com or 800-213-6680. Note: There is a $39 fee per incident for helpline treatment advice.